Newsletter 7 Spring Term

A message from the Headteacher - by Ava  

Headteacher for a Day 2024

Following her successful election by the school community, Ava (Miss V) spent Tuesday running the school as our Headteacher for a Day. 

Miss V writes:

My day started at 7:45 with a finance meeting to see how the school runs. Afterwards, I came to the gate and met so many new people in their own style or in PJ’s - it was amazing to see smiles on everyone’s faces! After that, I saw the amazing Class Collective Worship from 4G with everyone performing their roles fantastically; even the outfits were amazing! I was going to interview for an amazing new TA but it got cancelled - this gave me time to sit there with a hot chocolate in my hand and a biscuit in the other as I began to write this article for the newsletter.

When the bell rang, I went out to break duty only to find myself surrounded by pupils calling out to me. Lots of people were asking if they could have some of the snacks I put in the staff room. I made sure the staff in the Staff Room room were OK - everyone was thankful for the mints and biscuits I provided. After break, I visited each classroom - I found it really fun. I didn’t realise how tidy the school was - the displays for each teacher’s book corner were amazing. 

For lunchtime I organised a pupil vote about which sport should be played on the MUGA; this was one of my manifesto promises. Basketball was the chosen sport with football in second place. In the afternoon, I joined Mr Gates in observing two teachers teaching. We were looking for how pupils listen and speak to each other in lessons as as well as how engaged pupils were in their learning. 

To end the day I led collective worship. It felt amazing learning about each person in the school and what their personality is like. I was surprised by how much a headteacher has to do in one day and I enjoyed seeing every class learn as all the teachers have different ways to teach their students. 

Overall, I think that being a headteacher is an amazing experience and I am hoping that when I am in secondary school I can come back and see another person seeing how it feels.

Ava was a fantastic Headteacher for the day who worked extremely hard to deliver on her manifesto pledges. We are thankful for her work with us.

Webinar:  Helping Children with Worries 

Achieving for Children are running two webinars next week helping children with worries.  If you would like to attend, please see dates and times below and click on the link for further information and to book a place. 

Thursday 7th March 2024 (6.00pm - 7.15pm) - please sign up by Monday 4th March

• MHST workshop: Helping children with worries 7/3/24

Friday 8th March 2024 - 9.00am - 10.15am) - please sign up by Wednesday 6th March    

• MHST workshop: Helping children with worries 8/3/24

Chelsea FC - digital blue coding sessions in Year 3

We are delighted to welcome back Ambassadors from Chelsea FC to enhance computing lessons in Year 3 this half term. These practical workshops are focused on a Sphero coding project where Chelsea Ambassadors help develop pupils' understandings of how to use basic block code to play robot football.

Oracy in Action at Home

Yesterday we celebrated our temporary Headteacher for a day - if you were in charge for the day, what would you like to change?

What would be your first decision if you were;

1.   in charge of your house

2.   in charge of the school

3.   in charge of the country

Share your thoughts with at least one adult and one friend.

Reminder:  Parent Consultations -  Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th March 2024

If you haven't already, please follow this link to book a 10 minute appointment (face to face) with your child’s class teacher. An additional 10 minute slot will also be available for children who are on the SEN register.

Reminder:  World Book Day  

World Book Day is fast approaching! Next week on Thursday 7th March, please send your child dressed as a character from a book. If possible, please have your child bring along the book that inspired their costume.  Its a wonderful opportunity for them to engage with literature in a fun and creative way. Please also remember, there is no need to spend money on buying an outfit - homemade creations work just as well. 

Thank you for your support in fostering a love for reading and imagination in our pupils.

Personal property

Whilst we have mentioned this previously, we would like to remind you that no valuable items should be brought to school with pupils.

The school does not allow toys nor smartwatches, valuable fitness trackers and expensive 'Air Up' bottles, scented gel pens and other items which are becoming regular features in some classrooms. If an item has a strong sentimental value to your child, please keep it at home.

Should such items be brought to school and become lost or broken, the school will not be responsible for investigating this. 

Assessments in Years 3, 4 and 5 next week

Summative standardised assessments are conducted termly at SASM. These are low-stake assessments, delivered in classrooms, which help inform our next steps in teaching. In Years 3, 4 and 5, this takes place next week (4th - 8th March). Year 6 assessments take place during the following week (11th - 15th March).

Parents and carers will be sent the outcomes of autumn term assessments in the final week of the term via the SIMS Parent App. You will have received an invitation to join the SIMS Parent App via the email addresses you have provided when registering with the school. More information about the assessment results will be included within the report.

Cases of measles are rising in London. Ensure your children are protected with two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, and can be a very unpleasant illness. In some cases, it can be serious – 1 in 5 children will need hospitalisation.

The best way to protect children against measles is to ensure that they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.

To see if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, check your child’s red book or contact your GP practice. If your child is not up to date, you can either book an appointment:

• at your GP practice, or

• at a local vaccine clinic. 

Beyond Fussy Eating

Beyond Fussy Eating is a new online programme for families of children who have feeding difficulties.  Please follow this link for further information. 

Parking outside SASM

If you are driving to drop your children off or pick them up from school, please park considerately on the surrounding roads.  Please don't park over driveways or over the zig zag lines. This helps keep everyone safe.

We have received reports from local residents of dangerous parking and verbal unkindness from some parents and carers. Please help us to be a positive part of our local community. Whilst the school is not responsible for enforcing street parking, we have advised our local community to report all instances of poor parking or behaviour to the police.